[Forest Keeper]

Eastern Christianity wouldn't try to quantify grace or the grace which is "in" someone, at least as a general matter. Grace, or the uncreated energies of God, has a different meaning in the East than in the West.

Yes, I think I remember Joe telling me that Catholics do believe that some are graced more than others (but that all are graced sufficiently for ultimate salvation). So, then would you say that a Bishop is not graced more than a member of the laity? What is your view on the concept of "spiritual gifts"?

[jo kus]

...Catholics do believe that some are graced more than others (but that all are graced sufficiently for ultimate salvation). So, then would you say that a Bishop is not graced more than a member of the laity? What is your view on the concept of "spiritual gifts"?

We believe that a bishop has been given different gifts, as per 1 Cor 12. God has graced each and every part of His Body with different gifts. All are needed by the Church - can the eye hear? Can a Body without a mouth speak? Thus, the Spirit ensures that the Body is properly outfitted to execute its purpose - to bring more people to Christ and sanctify those who are abiding in Him. It would be impossible to say that a bishop has been given "more" of anything, just different gifts. God can give gifts, but does man always use them?

Regards